My two cents: Tucson's Olympic swimming list likely to drop in numbers from prior years

Unlike 2000, 2004, 2008 and 2012, when more than 45 Tucson-connected swimmers were involved, this year’s list, 32, is not as impressive. The drop is a reflection on the move of Frank Busch from UA coach to director of USA Swimming’s national teams.

There are four strong Rio contenders from Tucson: Matt Grevers (freestyle and backstroke), Kevin Cordes (breaststroke), Caitlin Leverenz (IM specialist) and UA grad Margo Geer (freestyle relay).

The most compelling story is Flowing Wells and UA grad Marcus Titus, who is ranked No. 6 in the 100 breast stroke. The top two in each event will be on Team USA to Rio.

Three former UA All-Americans — Darian Townsend, Nimrod Shapira Bar-Or and Adam Ritter — are making comebacks and will swim in Omaha.

Getting to Rio, however, might be something only Grevers, Cordes and Leverenz can reasonably accomplish.